Graduate Programs

The information, digital and cultural industries are growing by leaps and bounds. Within the past decade or so, the demand for communication and visual/performing arts degrees has increased by more than 50 percent. By 2020, public relations jobs will rise by about 22 percent, and more than 350,000 new communication jobs will open by 2022.

In response to these exciting trends, Seton Hall University's new College of Communication and the Arts was created to enable innovative, genuine and professional interaction in academic, social, artistic and technological settings. Its diverse and flexible programs, anchored in the humanities and featuring cutting-edge technology and innovative curricula, provide opportunities for meaningful collaboration across disciplines. And its ideal location - only minutes from New York City - affords students a wealth of internship and networking possibilities right at their fingertips.

Degree Programs

The M.A. Program in Museum Professions prepares students for professional careers in museums and other cultural institutions through challenging coursework and concrete experience, melding the theoretical with the practical. Its curriculum is informed by the curriculum guidelines of the American Association of Museums and the International Council of Museums and aims at developing skills - in such areas as professional museum work, research, technology, leadership, creative problem solving, and advocacy - as well as values, including ethical and professional behavior, respect for cultural diversity, and appreciation of the value of museum traditions.

The M.A. in Public Relations is an on-campus program that combines the
curricula and resources of the College of Communication and the Arts.
Focused on the theories and skills required in reputation management and
effective public relations, students are challenged to evaluate cases,
create campaigns, and expand their skills and knowledge as it relates to
the field. Each student's program is developed with an academic adviser
to meet individual academic and professional goals.

The M.A. in Strategic Communication is an on-campus program that offers
students academically challenging courses that provide insight and
practical strategies to succeed in the rapidly changing world. The
program uniquely develops critical research skills associated with
communication and leadership in ways that are grounded in theory and can
be immediately applied in practice. Students are challenged to think
creatively, apply state-of-the-art technology, and sharpen their
leadership and communication in a dynamic, small-classroom environment.
Each student's program is developed with an academic adviser to meet
individual academic and professional goals.

Dual Degrees

The College of Communication and the Arts is proud to offer several five-year programs where students graduate with B.A. and M.A. degrees. We also partner with the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, to offer a dual-degree program that allows graduate students the opportunity to earn two M.A. degrees simultaneously.

Qualified students have the opportunity to expand their B.A. degree in Communication by pursuing a M.A. in Strategic Communication by taking graduate-level coursework during their junior, senior, and an additional fifth year.

High-achieving students can earn their B.A. degree in Public Relations, but also pursue their M.A. in Public Relations by taking graduate-level coursework during their junior, senior, and an additional fifth year.

Thrive in the complex world of global corporate relations with this dual degree program from the College of Communication and the Arts and the School of Diplomacy.

Professional Certificates

The graduate Professional Certificates allow students to pursue specialized graduate education in pertinent communication areas of interest. Students study communication skills that complement and enhance their professional capabilities and expand their knowledge and experiences. Four certificates are currently offered, and upon successful completion and admission to a degree program, the 12 credits earned can be applied towards a future graduate-level program.

Strategic communication has become a critical leadership across a range of industries and organizations. Leaders today are expected to be effective communicators in three main modalities: face-to-face, groups, and online. This certificate blends theory and practical approaches to enhance students' skills and help them succeed in an ever-changing landscape.

Leaders today are expected to be effective multiculturalists given demographic and globalization trends. This certificate empowers students to work with confidence across cultures by expanding skillsets, strategies, and capabilities through discussion of both theoretical concepts and applied techniques.

Organizational expectations in today's world are evolving. This certificate seeks to enhance student knowledge and skills to become effective communicators in organizational settings such as meetings, presentations, and crisis scenarios. Communication situations within organizations are reviewed to identify common techniques, strategies, and processes of information and influence. An emphasis is placed on problem solving and successful communication strategies.

Skilled public relations professions are in great demand within organizations, especially given the visibility and scrutiny that organizations and leaders must navigate in this fast-paced environment. This certificates offers students the opportunity to study advanced concepts, theories, and methods related to the public relations field.